With holidays just around the corner, this is an ideal time to explore and rediscover the many attractions on offer in the historic Valley of a Thousand Hills which is just a stone’s throw outside of Durban.

The valley and its rolling hills were created by the Umgeni River as it cut its way to the Indian Ocean. In the past, travellers bumped along this section of the R103 marvelling at the dramatic scenery.

Today the road is less bumpy and the area has developed into a thriving tourism hub offering visitors a world of experiences.

Athletic types will know this road well as it forms part of both the Comrades Marathon route and the AmaShova Cycle Race. For the rest of us, a slow drive with lots of stops along the way is how to experience this unique corner of the country.

Whether you stay over or are just visiting for a day, you are sure to find something to do.

There are steam-train excursions, 4X4 trails, abseiling adventures, and nature walks. For those who enjoy a bit of shopping, there is a thriving local arts and crafts industry, gift shops and one of the country’s best Farmers’ markets.

And when your tummy starts to rumble you can choose between fine dining at the Chef’s School, a quick bite at one of the many restaurants and cafes or the laidback jazzy chill of the local shisa nyama.

With over 20 B&Bs and guest houses the 1000 Hills area is an ideal base for visitors with time to explore.

The pheZulu Safari Park offers game drives and hiking trails in their game reserve, or visitors can get a closer look at the crocodiles and snakes in their reptile enclosure and creature cave.

For those looking to feed their creative appetite a visit to the Amazulu African Palace is a must. Every inch of this massive building is decorated in colourful mosaic, and the inspiration does not stop there. You can lose yourself in the 20-acre sculpture garden or one of the five galleries.

If you are looking for a gift, or just want to spoil yourself with a visit to the Woza Moya Craft Store or the Embocraft Shop should be at the top of your list. Both stock wonderful products which are sourced from and made in the area.

In short, the 1000 Hills have something for everyone, and will provide a long-remembered experience.


The 1000 Hills community embraced the Jerusalema challenge and their information video can be seen here: https://youtu.be/hyzlnGsA6Zg 

See a full list of attractions at the Valley of a 1000 Hills Community Tourism Organisation’s website.